Chimichurri Chicken Thighs Recipe

There’s something magical about how a few fresh ingredients can turn everyday chicken into a dish that steals the show—these chimichurri chicken thighs are proof. This chimichurri chicken thighs recipe has become a weeknight favorite in my kitchen, and it all starts with a bold, garlicky chimichurri sauce made with parsley, olive oil, and a splash of vinegar. The marinade sinks deep into the chicken thighs, making them unbelievably juicy and packed with flavor.

Whether I’m tossing them on the grill in summer or roasting them in the oven on a chilly night, this chimichurri chicken thighs recipe always comes out perfectly tender. I’ve served it at backyard dinners and quick weeknight meals, and it never disappoints—chimichurri chicken thighs recipe is simply one of those go-to recipes I trust over and over again.

Why Chimichurri Chicken Thighs Are Perfect for Any Occasion

Chimichurri sauce has deep roots in Argentine and Uruguayan cooking, where it’s long been the go-to partner for grilled meats—and let me tell you, it’s absolutely magic on chicken. This chimichurri chicken thighs recipe has become a staple in my kitchen because it's flavorful, forgiving, and endlessly versatile.

Whether I’m grilling outside in the summer or using the oven or air fryer on a busy weeknight, chimichurri chicken thighs recipe always comes through with juicy, bold flavor. I love how the herby zing of the chimichurri cuts right through the richness of the chicken thighs, giving you that perfect balance of fresh and savory. They pair beautifully with sides like my grilled veggie medley or cilantro lime rice, and honestly, once you make chimichurri chicken thighs recipe this way, you’ll understand why they’ve become a worldwide favorite.

Jump to:

• Ingredients
• Instructions
• Recipe Variations and Creative Twists
• Equipment
• Storage and Meal Prep Tips
• The Secret That Transformed My Chimichurri Chicken Thighs recipe Forever
• FAQ
• Related
• Pairing
• Chimichurri Chicken Thighs Recipe

Ingredients

For the Chimichurri Sauce:

• Fresh parsley leaves, finely chopped
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional but recommended)
• Garlic cloves, minced
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Apple cider vinegar (or white vinegar + splash of lemon juice)
• Fresh lemon juice
• Red pepper flakes
• Sea salt
• Black pepper

For the Chicken:

• Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2.5 pounds)
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Paprika

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions:

Fresh parsley is the star of chimichurri sauce – don't skip it or substitute with dried herbs. If you can't find cilantro, you can use all parsley instead. For a milder flavor, reduce the garlic to 2 cloves. Those following a low-carb or keto diet will love that this recipe is naturally compliant. For a dairy-free and paleo-friendly version, this chimichurri chicken thighs recipe works perfectly as written.

If you prefer boneless chicken thighs, reduce the cooking time by about 5-7 minutes. You can also swap chicken thighs for drumsticks using the same cooking method and timing.

See recipe card for quantities.

Instructions

Prepare the Chimichurri Sauce

1. Finely chop the fresh parsley and cilantro – you want them chopped small enough that they distribute evenly but not so fine that they turn to mush.
2. In a medium bowl, combine the chopped herbs with minced garlic.
3. Pour in the olive oil and vinegar, then add the lemon juice, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.
4. Whisk everything together until well combined. The sauce should have a bright green color and a chunky texture.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed – some people prefer more vinegar for tang or extra salt for depth.
6. Set aside half of the chimichurri sauce for serving later. Never use the same sauce that marinated raw chicken for serving – food safety first!

Season and Marinate the Chicken

1. Pat the chicken thighs completely dry with paper towels – this step is crucial for getting crispy skin later.
2. Season both sides generously with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
3. Place the seasoned chicken thighs in a large bowl or zip-top bag.
4. Pour half of your chimichurri sauce over the chicken, making sure each piece gets coated well.
5. If using a bowl, cover with plastic wrap. If using a bag, seal it tight and massage the marinade around.
6. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes at room temperature, or up to 4 hours in the refrigerator. The longer you marinate, the more flavor penetrates the meat.

Prepare for Cooking

1. Remove the marinated chicken thighs from the refrigerator about 15 minutes before cooking to bring them closer to room temperature. This helps them cook more evenly.
2. If grilling, preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). For oven cooking, preheat to 425°F.
3. Clean your grill grates well and oil them lightly to prevent sticking.
4. If baking, line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a baking dish.

Cook the Chimichurri Chicken Thighs

For Grilling:

1. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down on the grill.
2. Cook for 6-8 minutes without moving them – this creates those beautiful grill marks and crispy skin.
3. Flip and continue cooking for another 6-8 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F in the thickest part of the thigh.

For Oven Roasting:

1. Arrange the chicken thighs skin-side up on your prepared baking sheet.
2. Roast for 25-30 minutes, or until the skin is golden brown and crispy.
3. Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F using a meat thermometer.

For Air Fryer:

1. Cook at 380°F for 12 minutes skin-side down.
2. Flip and cook another 10-12 minutes until golden and cooked through.
3. Verify internal temperature reaches 165°F before serving.

The key to perfect chicken thighs is not to rush them. Let them develop that beautiful golden color before flipping, and always use a meat thermometer to check doneness.

Cooking Tips and Tricks for Perfect Chimichurri Chicken Thighs Recipe

Here's a game-changing tip: after cooking, let your chimichurri chicken thighs recipe rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, keeping every bite moist and flavorful. While they rest, the residual heat will finish cooking them to perfection.

For extra crispy skin when grilling, start with the skin side down and don't move the chicken until it naturally releases from the grates. If it's sticking, it's not ready to flip yet.

Health Benefits and Nutritional Value of this Chimichurri Chicken Thighs Recipe

Chimichurri chicken thighs recipe offers an excellent balance of protein and healthy fats. Chicken thighs provide about 25 grams of protein per serving, along with essential B vitamins and minerals like selenium and phosphorus. The chimichurri sauce adds healthy monounsaturated fats from olive oil and antioxidants from fresh herbs.

This chimichurri chicken thighs recipe fits perfectly into many healthy eating patterns, including Mediterranean, paleo, keto, and low-carb diets. The fresh herbs provide vitamin K, vitamin C, and various antioxidants that support overall health. Plus, cooking with olive oil instead of butter or processed oils adds heart-healthy benefits to every bite.

Recipe Variations and Creative Twists

Transform this basic chimichurri chicken recipe into something new with these creative variations:

• Spicy Chimichurri Chicken: Add an extra teaspoon of red pepper flakes or include a minced jalapeño in your sauce for heat lovers.
• Citrus Chimichurri Variation: Replace the lemon juice with lime juice and add some lime zest for a more tropical flavor profile that pairs beautifully with summer sides.
• Herb-Crusted Version: Mix breadcrumbs with some of the chimichurri sauce and press it onto the chicken thighs before cooking for a crispy, herb-crusted exterior.
• Chimichurri Chicken Tacos: Shred the cooked chicken and use it as filling for soft tacos with avocado, pickled onions, and extra chimichurri sauce.

You can also adapt this recipe for different cuts of chicken. Try it with drumsticks, chicken breasts, or even a whole spatchcocked chicken using similar cooking principles but adjusting the time accordingly.

Equipment

While you don't need fancy equipment to make great chimichurri chicken thighs recipe, a few key tools will make your life easier. A sharp chef's knife is essential for properly chopping the herbs – dull knives bruise the parsley and make it look less vibrant.

A reliable meat thermometer takes the guesswork out of cooking chicken perfectly every time. Digital instant-read thermometers are affordable and incredibly accurate. For grilling, long-handled tongs help you flip the chicken safely without losing those precious juices.

If you're making this recipe regularly, consider investing in a good-quality cutting board specifically for herbs and a small food processor to make chopping faster. A cast-iron skillet works beautifully for pan-searing if you don't have access to a grill.

Storage and Meal Prep Tips

Leftover chimichurri chicken thighs recipe stays delicious for up to 4 days when stored properly in the refrigerator. Let them cool completely before placing them in airtight containers. The chimichurri sauce can be stored separately for up to a week in the fridge – just give it a good stir before using.

For meal prep enthusiasts, you can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours ahead of time. The flavors actually improve with longer marinating, making this perfect for weekend meal prep. You can also make a double batch of chimichurri sauce and use it throughout the week on grilled vegetables, steak, or as a salad dressing.

These chicken thighs freeze well for up to 3 months. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently in the oven at 325°F until warmed through.

Perfect Pairings and Side Dishes for This Chimichurri chicken thighs recipe

Chimichurri chicken thighs recipe pair beautifully with simple sides that don't compete with the bold flavors. Try serving alongside roasted sweet potatoes, grilled asparagus, or a fresh cucumber and tomato salad. For a heartier meal, serve over cilantro lime rice or with crispy roasted potatoes.

The bright, herbaceous flavors also work wonderfully with a glass of Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Noir. For non-alcoholic options, try sparkling water with lime or iced green tea with mint.

FAQ

Why These Chimichurri Chicken Thighs Recipe Deserve a Spot in Your Weekly Rotation

There’s something so rewarding about making a dish that feels effortless and extraordinary—and these chimichurri chicken thighs recipe is exactly that. They’ve become one of those go-to meals in my kitchen that never lets me down, no matter the season or occasion. I love how the punchy, herb-packed sauce brings life to the rich, juicy chicken, making every bite vibrant and satisfying.

Whether you’re hosting friends or just cooking for yourself on a quiet evening, this recipe brings comfort with a side of wow-factor. And once dinner’s done, why not keep the flavor party going? Treat yourself to a decadent Chocolate Mousse Brownies or a refreshing Raspberry Almond Tart to round out the perfect meal. Trust me, once you try this chimichurri chicken thighs recipe, you'll be hooked—this is the kind of recipe you’ll return to again and again with joy.

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Pairing

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